In November, an increased spread of COVID-19 resulted in the Department of Economic and Community Development imposing more stringent health guidelines to combat the deadly virus. The new guidelines include wearing a mask in public at all times and reducing facility maximum capacity from 100 to 50. Boothbay Region YMCA is complying with the new safety standards by revising seven of its operating rules.

It is open for members only, so day and reciprocal memberships are not available. Participants are required to wear masks in the building and during workouts. Swimming is the only exception. The Emery and Therapy pool has a limited capacity so reservations are required. A minimum 6-foot distance is required from others with a recommended 14-foot space when engaged in physical activity. The locker rooms remain open, but members are encouraged to arrive dressed for their activity to limit exposure.

The Y has coped with various COVID-19 safety regulations since March. Since the pandemic began, Executive Director Andy Hamblett reports the local Y has lost about a third of its membership. The Y has maintained operation without any furloughs through increased donations and federal stimulus programs such as the Paycheck Protection Program and CARES Act. “We’ve never shut down. Our child enrichment center remained open throughout the pandemic because it’s an essential service,” Hamblett said. “Our revenue is down because people have decided to stay away due to health concerns and some because they don’t like the health restrictions, but our board has stepped up and worked hard to assist us in remaining open,” Hamblett said. 

The Y staff is monitoring capacity in the facility’s various sections. The afterschool program has 35 participants and was moved to Camp Knickerbocker. The Montessori School has its own entrance so it can host 50 people in that section. The annex also has a separate entrance and locker room, so it also can host the maximum capacity. 

Winter youth sports have started with basketball and swimming. The Dolphin swim team is expected to compete in a virtual season starting in December. Swim practice and meets will stagger swim lanes to meet phase 2 of Gov. Janet Mills’ reopening planning. The first swim meet is Dec. 14. “We will close the facility at 1 p.m. to our members. There will be no spectators at the meet. BRCTV will live stream the meet.,” Hamblett said. “We feel we can do this safely working with swimming guidelines and league rules providing a competitive experience and we’re pretty excited about this.” 

Y basketball consists of “Itty Bitty Basketball.” There are no competitive basketball games as drills and instructions comprise the bulk of activity to meet state guidelines. The annual Turkey Trot was cancelled due to the coronavirus, but some traditional fall activities continue. The Y’s lobby is filled with donated food as part of the “Fill the Bus” promotion for the local food pantry. The Y is also continuing its “Giving Tree” and “Drop and Go” for meals security community drives. “We continue operation with as little impact on our members with an emphasis on continuing supporting the community as we have in the past.”